Council moves forward with Rushpark housing plan

The facility, which was declared "surplus to requirements" by the council earlier this year, could make way for a new social housing scheme comprising 16 - 20 dwellings.

At their meeting last Monday night, members of the council's Development Committee were informed that Rushpark is an area in need of additional social housing. They agreed that council officers should work with the Housing Executive and a Housing Association to draw up plans for a suitable development on the 1.13 acre site.

The meeting was told that current users of the Rushpark centre have been approached regarding the closure and will be accommodated in alternative venues when the facility closes at the end of this year. This will include the transfer of the playgroup to Hazelbank Pavilion.

Meanwhile, the Hazelbank Pavilion building and toilet block is to be redesigned and refurbished, with the work scheduled for completion by the end of December.